LightningCrypt takes files to hostage and asks to pay the ransom

LightningCrypt is a crypto-malware[1] that uses a strong encryption cipher to wreck various data stored on the targeted computer. This file-encrypting virus appends .LIGHTNING file extension to each of the corrupted pictures, audio, video, and text files, documents, databases and other widely used records. As soon as all targeted data is locked, ransomware delivers a ransom note in LightningCrypt_Recover_Instructions.txt file and triggers a pop-up window. The threatening letter from cyber criminals tells that trying to recover data or delete LightningCrypt ransomware will lead to the data loss. According to the ransom note, the only way to decrypt files is to transfer 0.17 Bitcoins to the provided address. Once the transaction is made, damaged files should be recovered immediately. However, chances that you will never get back your files are quite high. Cybercriminals created this malicious program to swindle the money from innocent computer users. Thus, they may not bother about decrypting their files because no one can find them and punish for a unkept promise. In case of the cyber attack, we highly recommend focusing on LightningCrypt removal. Scanning affected machine with Reimage, or other reputable malware removal program helps to delete this nasty virus and protect a computer from similar cyber threats in the future.

The biggest chances to encounter LightningCrypt is to open an infected email attachment. As soon as a person clicks on such file, malware payload is dropped and executed on the system. Apart from encrypting data, ransomware also modifies the registry and makes some entries in order to run itself automatically when Windows OS is launched. What is more, this cyber infection makes computer’s system vulnerable and might open the backdoor to other malware. For this reason, you should remove LightningCrypt immediately. Letting it stay in the system may allow data-stealing Trojans, various viruses or worms to get inside the computer and cause you even more damage. Unfortunately, virus elimination does not bring back your files. Besides, it’s unknown whether it deletes Shadow Volume Copies[2] of the targeted files or not. If not, there’s hope that encrypted data might be restored with credible third-party software. At the end of this article, you will find detailed instructions how to wipe out malware from the system and try to recover your files.

The main ransomware distribution channels

We have briefly mentioned that malicious payload spreads attached in emails. Thus, you can let LightningCrypt ransomware virus to enter the system after clicking on fake statement, parcel delivery information and other “important” document. Crooks became great in social engineering and learned how to convince people into opening an obfuscated Word or PDF file. However, relying on only one distribution channel is not enough. Malware might also enter the system as a bogus software update. Usually, such fake updates show up as pop-up messages that claim about a necessity to install Adobe Flash or Java. However, you should not get tricked, and simply set automatic software update in order to avoid misleading notifications. What is more, you can encounter LightningCrypt in the form of “useful” program in questionable file-sharing websites. Thus, you should avoid using such sites and install software or their updates from official publishers’ websites.

Terminate LightningCrypt virus using malware removal program

For LightningCrypt removal, you will need to employ a professional security software and get rid of it automatically. Manual elimination is not recommended due to the complexity of the virus. As we have mentioned, this cyber parasite may modify Windows Registry, and it might install malicious files all other the system. Identifying them is complicated because ransomware-related components might be named as legitimate system files. Therefore, it’s better to let professional software to detect malicious entries and delete them for you. We suggest you to remove LightningCrypt using one of these tools: Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware. Before installing malware removal program, you may need to reboot the device to the Safe Mode first.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove infection using Reimage, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.

Reimage is recommended to uninstall LightningCrypt ransomware virus. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage malware removal tool. More information about this program can be found in Reimage review.

Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete LightningCrypt removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of LightningCrypt. After doing that, click Next.

Now click Yes to start system restore.

Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with Reimage and make sure that LightningCrypt removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove LightningCrypt from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If you do not have data backups, please try alternative recovery methods presented below. We cannot assure that they will help to restore all your files. However, at least some of them will definitely be rescued.

If your files are encrypted by LightningCrypt, you can use several methods to restore them:

Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;

Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by LightningCrypt ransomware;

Restore them.

Windows Previous Versions feature allows copying individual files

If you need to restore only a couple of most important files, you should take advantage of Windows Previous Versions feature that allows traveling back in computer’s time. By following these steps you will be able to access files before the LightningCrypt attack.

Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;

Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;

Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Try ShadowExplorer

If LightningCrypt virus left Shadow Volume Copies untouched, you could try to restore files using ShadowExplorer.